PAHRUMP - Nye County Department of Planning Division of Air Quality has issued a DUST ADVISORY for the Pahrump Valley for Sunday, June 28, to advise residents and local construction sites of the possibility of elevated levels of blowing dust due to the forecast of high winds in our area.
This coincides with the National Weather Service’s Red Flag Warning and High Wind Advisory also issued for Sunday. Wind gusts up to 50 mph expected.
Airborne dust is a form of inhalable air pollution called particulate matter or PM, which aggravates respiratory diseases. Under windy conditions, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children may feel better staying indoors as much as possible. They could be at greater risk from particulates, especially when physically active, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult your physician if you have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to air pollution.
County Air Quality officials will continue to monitor conditions and will post any updates. You can subscribe to free air quality forecasts and advisories via email or text through the EnviroFlash service at www.enviroflash.org. The EPA’s Air Quality Index translates air quality data into colors to help people understand when they may experience health effects from air pollution. An AQI of 101 or more is considered a level that may be unhealthy for sensitive groups of people. Tips to limit exposure to dust include:
• Limit outdoor exertion on windy days when dust is in the air. Exercise, for example, makes you breathe heavier and increases the amount of particulates you are likely to inhale.
• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Run your air conditioner inside your house and car to filter out particulates.
• Consider changing your indoor air filters if they are dirty.
• To keep dust down, drive slowly on unpaved roads.
• Don’t take short cuts across vacant lots.
• Ride off-road vehicles in approved areas
• EnviroFlash: Receive daily text or email messages with the latest air quality information. Learn more at www.enviroflash.org.